Huston Vineyards Grows And Produces First Grüner Veltliner In The Snake River Valley Wine Region
Huston, Idaho – Huston Vineyards is pioneering the growth and production of a brand-new varietal on the Idaho wine scene. Gregg and Mary Alger, owners of Huston Vineyards, became the first Idaho grape producers to plant Grüner Veltliner in their estate vineyard in 2018. This month, in conjunction with Idaho Wine and Cider Month, the first vintage is being released.
“We love growing and making the exceptional wines for which our valley has become known, but we also enjoy venturing out of our comfort zone and creating new intrigue for wine enthusiasts,” said Gregg Alger. “After some great vacation experiences tasting Grüners in other regions, making this wine in Idaho became an aspiration and a passion for us.”
Grüner Veltliner is a varietal typically associated with Austria, although it is grown throughout the world. Huston Vineyards estate has exceptional and unique growing conditions for Grüner Veltliner. Silty loess soils, rich in calcium carbonate provide for optimum vine conditions. The cooler vineyard site heightens both the aromas and acidity of the fruit. The Snake River Valley’s intense temperature shifts foster both consistent fruit ripening and bright crispness, resulting in a complex lively wine.
The 2020 vintage expresses aromas of lime and white pepper with flavors of honey and minerality on the mid-palate. Balanced with both texture and acidity, this wine finishes both lively and layered. It is bright and crisp for summer but carries enough weight to be enjoyed into fall and winter with great food pairings.
Alger, a former Idaho Wine Commission President, noted “We are so excited about the growth of the Idaho wine industry over the past decade, but there is still so much potential for exploration in our viticultural area. We are proud to be a part of what’s happening here.”
A limited quantity of the 2020 Huston Estate Grüner Veltliner was produced. It is available for purchase at the Huston Vineyards tasting room, 16473 Chicken Dinner Road, while supplies last.
About Huston Vineyards: Huston Vineyards is a family-owned estate winery founded in 2006. Located at the gateway to the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, the winery was named for the farming community of Huston Idaho. Huston was established in 1911 as the agriculture portal to Southwest Idaho’s urban communities and was the transportation hub for farmers to ship fresh
fruits and vegetables via the Boise Interurban Railway. Huston Vineyards is known for their award-winning Bordeaux style wines as well as their Chicken Dinner brands, receiving accolades from industry experts including: Wine Spectator, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast, Sunset International Wine Competition, and The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. For more information visit www.hustonvineyards.com.